Boeing B75 N46Y accident near Erwinna, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in a crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was attempting to take off in a right crosswind and had the right aileron fully deflected during the takeoff roll. As the tail-wheel equipped airplane became airborne, a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway toward a tree line. The pilot attempted to turn the airplane back into the wind, but the lower left wing contacted a tree limb. The airplane descended into trees resulting in substantial damage to the rudder and both lower wings. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA381 for the full record.